Farm Safety

When you come to a CropShare farm day, please take note of our safety rules. Especially if you are going to be coming to the farm for the first time, give these a good read before coming!

For each farm day, there is a sign up sheet so we can take note of your emergency contact and keep track of who is on farm. Make sure you fill this in when you arrive.

Axel at first aid training…don’t worry he was OK in the end

We have 3 highly trained and enthusiastic first aiders: Farmer Paul, and CropShare co-ordinators Axel and Helen so if you need any help call on us!

1. Animals

All animals including the cuddliest chicks carry diseases that are potentially harmful to humans . If you are or think you maybe pregnant avoid all contact with animals. On no account kiss the animals!

Chickens can be handled all season- but please read below about electric fences

After touching animals use the hand cleaning products provided.

Tending to the bees on the farm

We keep bees on the farm. They are very docile, but if you are allergic please let the first aiders know where you keep your epipen and keep it on you at all times in the fields.

2. Around the Farm

When walking around the farm, be aware of tripping in rabbit holes or ruts in the uneven ground. Be mindful of where you are putting your feet.

Plenty of uneven walking surfaces – common on the farm but add to its charm!

I seem to be the master of comedy falls and have been caught on camera…

If you do fall, make sure it has comedy value.

Be aware of tripping over any fences, don’t try to climb over any normal fences (below) unless you are confident.

Normal fences- can be hopped over but take care when doing so

ELECTRIC FENCES are used on the farm around the chickens, horses and elsewhere. This is what they look like.

This is an ELECTRIC fence, zap!

Take care not to touch these, or the battery packs (charged by a Transition-made windmill!) that power them. Please only enter chicken area when supervised by CropShare co-ordinators, Farmer Paul or Farmer Doreen.

Don’t work alone on the farm- group work is more fun!

Avoid working alone. All CropShare work is arranged in groups as its more fun! If you are on your own on farm, e.g. if you’ve returned to the farmhouse to use the toilet/wash your hands then make sure you have a mobile with you, with the CropShare co-ordinator’s number on it.
Always wash your hands well before eating and drinking at our now legendary CropShare farm lunch.

Tuck in! – after hand washing

Colorful CropShare lunch!

Be aware of the power of the sun and take measures to limit its impact – wear a hat , appropriate use of suncream, and bring a bottle of water with you to the fields to keep fluid levels up.

Make sure you’ve got your sun hat on!

If you are carrying anything be careful not to impede anyone else with it- especially hoes. Lay tools at the side of the field in a safe way, i.e. blade down for hoes, so they aren’t dangerous for others.

Using a hoe safely

Hoes safely laid blade down in the field

If you feel at all unwell- stop and rest. Remember it’s supposed to be fun! Let Farmer Paul or Farmer Doreen, or a CropShare co-ordinator know and they will help you.

3. Machinery

Avoid any stationary vehicles or machinery around the farm- e.g. landrovers, ploughs, rolls etc. Big metal things basically! Do not touch it or get on it. Only get on machinery when expressly asked to do so by the Farmer Paul or the CropShare co-ordinators.

Take careful note of all machinery briefings and if you are unsure of anything just ask.

Be aware of moving machinery. Farmer Paul may be using the tractor in the same field as CropShare volunteers, so be mindful of where the tractor is working and stay well clear. It travels really slowly so don’t be alarmed.

CropSharers keeping a distance from the working tractor

The two bits of moving machinery CropSharers will mostly use are the tractor mounted planter and the lay-down flat weeder.

tractor-mounted planter

Up to 3 CropSharers sit on the tractor-mounted planter, placing their feet on the marked footplates only. There are moving parts that connect the planter to the tractor, way in front of the footplates, and a moving conveyor belt that you put the seeds or plants on.

3 CropSharers having fun on the tractor-mounted planter machine

Tractor mounted planter moving conveyor belt in front of you as you sit on the machine

lay-down flat weeder

The lay-down flat weeder is pulled along after the tractor very slowly over the field, and up to 6 CropSharers lay down on the material-covered beds. There are moving parts that connect the weeder to the tractor, which aren’t nearby if you are laying on the weeder beds. Be careful if you’re working near the weeder in the field, don’t try and touch it/jump on while its moving.
Here’s a video of the lay-down weeder in action so you can see how it works:

Farmer Paul keeps a watchful eye on the speed of all equipment used by CropSharers, and keeps in contact with CropSharers on machinery by stopping regularly to check on you, and talking through the back tractor window. If any machinery is going too fast for you just let him know!

4. Polytunnels

Only enter a tunnel when expressly asked to do so by Farmer Paul, Farmer Doreen or a CropShare co-ordinator. If you’re working in the polytunnels, e.g. planting seed, watering, be aware it can get very warm in there so take regular breaks outside and drink plenty of water.

5. Children

Thanks for wrapping me up warm, Mum!

It’s great for kids to come along to the farm and start learning about food and farming. We welcome all ages of kids to CropShare farm days. If you are bringing a child please let us know when you fill in our sign up sheet, make sure you are aware of all the risks above and they are supervised at all times. Obviously, don’t let them go off on their own.

So what are these plants going to grow into, Dad?

Thanks for reading this! Hope it wasn’t too boring. It’s really important to us that CropSharers stay safe and have fun on the CropShare farm days!